HC Deb 25 February 1999 vol 326 cc408-9W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to the oral answer by the Minister for the Cabinet Office of 10 February,Official Report, column 308, on biotechnology and genetic modification of crops, what action Her Majesty's Government have taken in pressing (a) the European Commission, and (b) other EU institutions for enhanced statutory control; and if he will make a statement on the policy of Her Majesty's Government in respect of current (i) United Kingdom and (ii) Community legislation on those matters. [72179]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 22 February 1999]: The main instrument governing the release into the environment of GMOs is the EC Directive 90–220. This is currently undergoing revision following the publication of a Commission proposal in February 1998. The proposal seeks to make a number of significant changes to the Directive such as strengthening provisions on environmental risk assessment and monitoring, streamlining some procedures, ensuring greater transparency and better labelling requirements, and providing for the consultation of EU ethics and scientific committees.

The UK is taking a leading role in negotiations in the Council on the revision, though progress depends on the priority given to the dossier by the EU Presidency. The European Parliament adopted its Opinion on the revision of the Directive on 11 February, which also proposes tougher controls on the release of GMOs.

While negotiations on the revision of Directive 90–220 continue, European Environment Ministers agreed unanimously last December to use the flexibility within the existing directive to introduce new requirements for risk assessment and monitoring, based upon new texts which are likely to form part of the revised directive. The UK already requires such risk assessments to be carried out before a consent may be granted, and the Government are currently considering how the monitoring requirements may be introduced.

Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list the terms of reference and membership of the Cabinet Committee on food standards; and if it will consider the adequacy and content of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and of Directive 90/220 of the European Community concerning rules for the growing of genetically modified crops. [72220]

Mr. Meacher

[holding answer 22 February 1999]: The terms of reference of the Ministerial Group on Food Safety are: To co-ordinate Departmental consideration of issues arising from the establishment of a Food Standards Agency and other aspects of food safety, and to make recommendations to the Ministerial Committee on Home and Social Affairs (HS). Its composition is: President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Chair) Secretary of State for Education and Employment Minister for the Cabinet Office Secretary of State for Scotland Secretary of State for Health Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Secretary of State for Wales Chief Secretary, Treasury Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and Chief Whip will also receive papers and may attend as necessary.

However, matters relating to biotechnology and genetic modification are discussed collectively in the Ministerial Group on Biotechnology and Genetic Modification, whose terms of reference are: "To consider issues relating to biotechnology, in particular those arising from genetic modification."

The Group's composition is: Minister for the Cabinet Office (Chair) Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister of State, Cabinet Office Minister of State, Department of Health Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry Economic Secretary, Treasury Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Scottish Office, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Northern Ireland Office Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Welsh Office The Chief Scientific Adviser also attends.

The Ministerial Group will consider the adequacy and content of Directive 90–220. Consideration of the Environmental Protection Act is, however, not on the agenda.

The revision of Directive 90/220/EEC has, in addition, been considered in detail by European Scrutiny Committees in both Houses.